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WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (AP) -- West Valley City Mayor Mike Winder has apologized for appearing in an advertisement for a client of his public relations firm.
Winder said he had no trouble praising the nuclear-waste company EnergySolutions Inc. because it hires city residents and contributes to the state's economy.
"I do, however, apologize for the venue in which I applauded EnergySolutions' new policies," he wrote in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune. "To be in an advertorial using my title was inappropriate."
From many politicians, you will get excuses when they goof up, but that's not my style. Again, I'm sorry.
–Mike Winder
Winder said he was not compensated for Monday's advertorial, though his firm, The Summit Group, has worked on radio and television spots for the company.
EnergySolutions operates a controversial waste disposal site 75 miles west of Salt Lake City in Tooele County.
The company, which also has made campaign contributions to Winder, did not return a call seeking comment.
Earlier this month, EnergySolutions launched a series of weekly advertorials -- a combination ad and editorial -- in Salt Lake City newspapers.
Kelly Patterson, a political science professor at Brigham Young University, said it was refreshing to see an elected official admit a mistake. Patterson said it's normal for companies to line up support from politicians.
"What is not typical is for politicians to become a spokesperson for the company," he said.
Winder's statement was sent to The Tribune editorial board as it prepared to publish an editorial Thursday critical of Winder's appearance in the ad.
"From many politicians, you will get excuses when they goof up, but that's not my style," the mayor said. "Again, I'm sorry."
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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
